Over time, as your teeth are exposed to harmful foods and drinks, the enamel begins to decay and is weakened, causing it to break down. This will eventually cause a small hole, or cavity to form in the surface of the tooth. When you go into the dentist, they will fill the cavity with a hard material that will help prevent the tooth from decaying any further. There are several different types of material that can be used: porcelain, a composite resin, or an amalgam.

• Porcelain: Also known as inlays or onlays, this type of filling is first made in a lab and then the material is bonded to the tooth. Porcelain can be made to match the color of your teeth and is good at resisting staining.
• Composite Resin: The composite, or plastic, type of filling can also be made to match the color of your teeth, but there is a higher chance of the material staining from coffee or tobacco. The resin is mixed together and then placed into the cavity, where it hardens. Resin provides a natural look, but doesn’t last as long.
• Amalgam: The silver filling that you are accustomed to seeing, an amalgam filling is the most cost-efficient. The material is made of a mix of mercury, silver, copper, tin, and sometimes zinc.

At the dentist’s office, the area around the tooth will be numbed to prevent any pain. Then, the decayed part of the tooth will be removed and the material will be placed in the cavity and shaped to your natural bite. The dentist may ask that you bite down several times to ensure a natural feel. The anesthesia should wear off within a few hours and you should then be able to eat, brush, and flosh like normal.

If it’s been longer than six months since your last dental cleaning, schedule an appointment with M Dental today for a thorough cavity check.